Bedford

Bedford's population grew in the decade leading up to the most recent census. Data from the census also show there were changes in religion, housing tenure and marriage.

The population reached nearly 160,000

Between the last two censuses, the population of Bedford increased by 6.5%, from almost 148,000 to 157,000.

The addition of almost 9,600 people means this area's population increased at a slower rate than the total population of England (up 7.9% since the 2001 census).

In 2011, Bedford was home to, on average, 2.4 people per football pitch-sized piece of land.

Population density was similar to the average across Eastof England

Population density (usual residents per football pitch-sized piece of land) across Eastof England, March 2011 (larger dots represent greater increase since 2001)

An older Bedford

Census 2011 data also show a change in the local population's average age.

Between the last two censuses, the median age of Bedford increased by three years, from 36 to 39 years.

This suburban area had a slightly lower average age than Eastof England and had a similar age to the average local authority area across England (39 years of age).

The rise in age was because of an increase of almost 3,700 people between the ages of 40 and 49 years, while the population between 30 and 39 years decreased by just under 2,000.

About 15% of people in Bedford are aged between 40 and 49 years

Percentage of usual residents in England, East and Bedford by 10 year age band, March 2001 and March 2011

Religion in Bedford

The number of people in Bedford that described themselves as Christian increased from just over 100,000 in 2001 to just over 93,000 in 2011. This represents a change from 69% to 59% of the local population.

The percentage decreased by less than the average across Eastof England (from 72% to 59%) and the average across England (from 72% to 59%).

The number of people in Bedford that described themselves as having no religion increased from about 22,000 in 2001 to about 37,000 in 2011 (from 15% to 24%). The number of people who did not disclose their religious affiliation decreased from about 13,000 to just over 10,000 (from 8.8% to 6.6%).

Just over 8,600 people (3.3%) said they were Muslim, up from about 4,800 in 2001 (5.5%).

There are many factors that can cause changes to the religious profile of an area, such as migration and varying fertility rates between religious groups. Changes may also be caused by differences in the way individuals choose to self-identify between censuses.

The population who identified as Christian in Bedford decreased by 9.5 percentage points

Percentage of usual residents in England, East and Bedford by religion, March 2001 and March 2011

More single parents

The percentage of households in Bedford, which comprised a single parent, increased from 8.2% to 11% in the decade leading up to the most recent census.

In 2011, just over one in three (36%) households had a married couple, compared with 38% in 2001. The percentage of households in Bedford, which comprised a cohabiting couple, decreased from 9.0% to 8.9%.

The proportion of single-parent households increased faster here than in any other local authority district across Eastof England. The improvement brought health in Bedford close to the national average 11% in England described their health as good in 2011).

The percentage of households with a single-parent in Bedford increased by 2.8 percentage points

Percentage of households in Bedford, Eastof England and England that had a single parent, March 2001 and March 2011

Disability in Bedford

The percentage of Bedford residents whose day-to-day activities are limited a lot by a long-term health problem or disability increased from 2.7% to 3.3% in the decade leading up to the most recent census.

The proportion who reported being limited a little in their day-to-day activities remained close to 7.1%, while the percentage of Bedford residents whose day-to-day activities are not limited by a long-term health problem or disability decreased from 90% to 90%.

The proportion of people who are considerably limited by a long-term health problem or disability increased at a similar rate to the figure for the whole of Eastof England (from 2.7% in 2001 to 3.4% in 2011). Across England, the proportion increased from 3.1% to 3.8%.

The proportion of people who are limited a lot by a long-term health problem or disability was lower than across Eastof England

Percentage of usual residents that reported being considerably limited in their day-to-day activities across local authority areas in Eastof England and the average across England, March 2011

Rise in private renting

The percentage of households in Bedford that rented privately increased from 9.9% to 16% between the last two censuses.

The proportion that lived in social housing remained close to 16%, while the percentage of Bedford households that owned their home decreased from 72% to 66%.

The proportion of privately rented homes increased at a similar rate to the figure for the whole of Eastof England (from 8.6% in 2001 to 15% in 2011). Across England, the proportion increased from 9.9% to 17%.

Private renting in Bedford increased by 6 percentage points

Percentage of households in Bedford, Eastof England and England that rented privately, March 2001 and March 2011

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